When you’re seeking ways to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Greater Richmond.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a simple process if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require minimal power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 804-302-6657. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if necessary.